Bournemouth U21 coach Shaun Cooper is delighted with their progress this season.

Before this season had been put on hold, Cooper had seen his team reach the last 16 of the Premier League Cup, the semi-finals of the Hampshire Senior Cup and the area final of the Central League Cup, a trophy they won last year.

The Cherries have faced opposition ranging from category one academy status to Wessex League and have lost just one of their 12 competitive games this season, a dead-rubber in their last group game in the Premier League Cup at Stoke.

Cooper told the club's website: "We've found ways to win lots of games and the manner in which we've won has been pleasing.

“We've come from behind a few times, we haven't always played well and have had to grind out results. There have also been times when we've dominated from the first whistle to the last.

“Individually, a lot of players have done well. They have put themselves in front of the manager and have trained well. Players have also gained valuable experience from loan spells.

“In most games, we have had a mix of experienced players, under-21s and under-18s. In the Hampshire Senior Cup game at Farnborough in December, we had a very young team.

“They came from behind and ground out the win. It was a great show of fighting spirit and character. They displayed all the characteristics we want to see in Bournemouth players.

“The Premier League Cup has been a real highlight of the season. We've played really good opposition and the lads have risen to the occasion every time."